Reds capture youngster from Real

Another youngster has joined Liverpool’s growing band of teenage talent, and this one is being compared to Leonel Messi.

Sixteen-year-old Gerardo Bruna, born in Argentina but brought up in Spain, has now signed for Liverpool from Real Madrid. Madrid were powerless when Liverpool approached him to sign for them. Under UEFA rules a 16-year-old can sign for any club, regardless of which club might have been developing him throughout his teenage years. Real will get some compensation for the player, but are understandably devastated to lose a player with so much potential.

Reds boss Rafa Benítez has been determined to see the club go out and buy for the future, and to do this they are offering lucrative deals to youngsters. Compared to buying proven talent the amount is spent is relatively small, but enough to outbid clubs like Real.